Firearm magazine loading system

ABSTRACT

A firearm magazine reloading system is presented that includes a body having a back, a front, and sides and having a fastening component. A canting surface affixed to the front of the body and outward of a magnetic surface. The body further including one or more magnets that provides a magnetic force to magnetize the magnetic surface to hold and retain a loaded magazine that can be inserted into the magazine well of a firearm. The body further includes a ledge that provides a hard stop and bearing surface for the base plate of the loaded magazine so that the firearm magazine well can fully accept and lock the loaded magazine into the firearm. A method is also provided where only a single hand of user is needed to insert the loaded magazine into the firearm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application incorporates by reference the disclosures ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/409,521 filed on Oct. 18,2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/358,548 filed on Jul.5, 2016, and Provisional Patent Application No. 62/364,879 filed on Jul.21, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a system for holding firearmmagazines, more particularly, to a wearable system for holding firearmmagazines which allows a user to load a magazine into a firearm usingonly one hand, a so-called “one-hand operation.”

BACKGROUND

Completely detachable, box type magazines were first patented in 1908 byArthur Savage of Savage Arms in U.S. Pat. No. 885,868. The detachable,box type magazines allowed for ammunition to be preloaded, such that auser could reload their firearm simply by inserting the loaded magazine.If a user were to preload a plurality of magazines, the reload timewould be reduced to the duration required for a user to remove theunloaded magazine and provide a loaded magazine in its place.

Detachable box type magazines have since become the standard method offeeding ammunition into the firing chamber of a firearm. They can befound in all manner of firearms including: pistols, light-machine guns,submachine-guns, semi-automatic, and automatic rifles. Detachable boxtype magazines are usually referred to as simply “magazines” or “mags”because they are considered to be the standard ammunition supplymechanism.

The advent of the detachable box type magazine may have significantlyreduced the time it takes to reload a firearm, but users of firearmsstill wish to further reduce the time of reloading. During World War II,soldiers began taping magazines together to create a “jungle style”arrangement. This allowed for even faster reload times. Soldiers nolonger had to reach for a second magazine to reload, they could simplymove to the next loaded magazine in the arrangement. The “jungle style”magazine arrangement eventually gained enough popularity to pushmanufactures and the U.S. military to produce “Jungle Clips”. Theseclips are metal clamps which can hold two or more magazines together toprovide for quick reloading without the use of tape.

Although the use of magazines coupled with Jungle Clips have shortenedthe duration in which it takes to reload a firearm, the act of reloadingcan still be a cumbersome task because to insert a new magazine into afirearm requires the use of two hands. Furthermore, Jungle Clips areunable to be used with handguns, as typical handgun magazines must befully inserted into the firearm.

The art has only recently recognized that a magnetic system might beable to hold magazines in a ready position for insertion into a firearm.However, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,395,153, such known holderdesigns are large bulky devices that are not readily concealable on theuser's person because the positioning of the magazine is in an outwardorientation relative to the user. Further, such a design requires theuse of several ramps that project outwardly from the user, thus addingto bulkiness of the holder. These multiple ramps are unfortunatelyrequired so that the firearm can be guided onto the magazine. The rampsare also required so that the loaded firearm is then pushed out and awayfrom the user after insertion of the magazine.

Based on the foregoing, there is a still a strong need in the art for arapid magazine reloading system having a streamline design that issmall, ready concealable, non-bulky, and light weight, and furtherallows a user to dramatically reduce the time required to insert aloaded magazine into a firearm. What may be further desired is a quickreload system where a user may quickly insert a loaded magazine into afirearm using only one hand.

SUMMARY

The objective of the present invention is to create a firearm magazinereloading system in which the user may quickly reload a firearm with aloaded magazine. In the case of a handgun, the user should be able toreload the firearm only using one hand. The objective is achievedaccording to the invention by providing a system having a body having aback, a front, and sides. A fastening component is provided on the bodyto allow attachment of the system to the user of the firearm. A cantingsurface affixed to the front of the body provides a required outwardprojection of an attached magazine to allow the magazine receiving endof a firearm to engage the magazine. The canting surface may alsocontain small magazine orienting nibs that project outwardly from thecanting surface. These orienting nibs provide for proper positioning andalignment when a magazine is placed on the reloading system. Theorienting nobs also deter or prevent shifting or misalignment of themagazine prior to loading into the firearm. The body of the reloadingsystem further has a magnetic surface that is magnetized by one or moremagnets affixed to the body. This magnetized surface attracts and holdsa loaded magazine to the body of the present invention.

The system can further include a fastening component on its exterior toallow the body to be attached to an accessory or item of clothing beingworn by a user. In an embodiment, the fastening component comprises ofone or more through-holes provided on the sides of the body which a beltor other strap may be fed through.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more wings protrudefrom the side of the body to prevent movement of the body relative tothe user. In an embodiment, the wings are provided with one or morethrough-holes which allow the body to engage with a belt or strap.

In an embodiment of the firearm magazine loading system, a cantingsurface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.The canting surface maybe integral with the body or magnetic surface orit may be a separate component that is affixed to the body or themagnetic surface. In some instances, the canting surface is preferablyattached via rivets. In other cases the canting surface is adjustablyattached, meaning that the canting surface can be moved up or downrelative to the body. Likewise, the canting surface may also beadjustable to increase or decrease the distance that an attachedmagazine projects outwardly relative to the body, thereby allowing auser to adjust the cant angle to accommodate different firearms andmagazine types.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the body is further providedwith a curved lip to help guide a receiving end of a firearm onto thecanted top portion of loaded magazine being retained on the body. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the system is provided with a ledgeprotruding outward from the base of the body. The ledge helps supportthe loaded magazine retained in the body, and provides a structure for auser to push the base of the loaded firearm magazine against whenengaging the magazine into the receiving end of the firearm.

In yet another embodiment, the body of the firearm magazine reloadingsystem has affixed to it a magnetic surface that has a canting surfaceposition on or integral with the magnetic surface. The canting surfacecan be part of the magnetic surface, i.e., integral with the magneticsurface or the canting surface can be affixed as a separate component.The magnetic surface can also have an upper curved surface. Likewise,the body can have a curved lip on an upper portion that curves in thesame direction as the upper curved surface. The curved lip and uppercurved surface can be positioned such that they are adjacent andabutting each other. Preferably the canting surface is positioned in anupper half portion of the front of the body or the magnetic surface.Both the upper curved surface and the curved lip curve in a directionthat is back toward the rear of the body and do not project outwardlyfrom the front of the body. In other words, there are no guide surfaces,curves, or projections that extend beyond a vertical plane defined byeither the front of the body or the magnetic surface. The only componentthat extends beyond these defined vertical planes is the cantingsurface, however, the canting surface does not serve as a guidingsurface for the firearm during either magazine insertion or firearmremoval away from the firearm magazine reloading system. As explainedabove the canting surface may also have orienting nibs that projectslightly out from the canting surface, but are not firearm guidingsurfaces.

In another embodiment, the canting surface is adjustably affixed to themagnetic surface such that the canting surface can be moved toward oraway from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front ofthe magnetic surface. Additionally, it is preferable that the firearmmagazine reloading system does not comprise a magazine spacer thatseparates one or more positioned magazines.

A method of use is also provided for the invention to achieve theobjective. In an embodiment, a user fastens the body to an accessory oritem of clothing worn by the user. The user then places a loadedmagazine onto the body such that it is retained by the magnets. Theupper portion of the magazine is slightly canted outward away from theuser due the canting surface. The user then places the receiving end ofa firearm onto the very top of the upper portion of the loaded magazine,being retained against the body, completely covering and inserting thetop into the firearm receiving end. The user then slides the firearmdown and over the loaded magazine and presses the base of the magazineagainst the body until the magazine locks into the receiving end of thefirearm. In another embodiment, wherein a ledge protrudes from the baseof the body, the user presses the base of the loaded magazine againstthe ledge until the magazine locks into the receiving end of thefirearm.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the firearm magazine reloading system,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 having attacheda magazine;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the firearm magazine reloading system,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the firearmmagazine reloading system of the present invention having a magazineattached thereto;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A with afirearm magazine attached;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a firearm showing the magazine well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages maybe understood by referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like elements.

FIGS. 1-3 present one possible embodiment of the firearm magazineloading system 100 of the present invention. This embodiment has a body101 configured to be worn or attached near the waist of a user,preferably attached to a belt, strap, or tactical equipment worn by theuser. Belt loops 104 a and 104 b (see FIG. 2) are provided so a belt orother strapping device may be passed through the body 101 to fix themagazine loading system, also referred to herein as the “reloadingsystem,” at or near the waist of the user or at any position that userof the reloading system finds convenient and accessible to load anattached magazine into a firearm. One or more wings 102 extend from thebody to help provide support and prevent rotational movement the body101 from torsion forces applied during use of the reloading system. Inan embodiment, the belt loops 104 b are provided on the wings of thebody. In an embodiment, foam or another soft material may be adhered orattached to the back of the wings 102 to provide a more comfortable fitto the user. Likewise, a hook & loop fastening material 160, such asVelcro®, can be included on the back side 125 of body 101 (see FIG. 3).

Body 101 is further provided with one or more magnets 103 that areposition on or within body 101 such that a magnetic force is applied tothe front 124 of the body. The magnet(s) can be co-molded into body 101or position within a cavity 122 (see FIG. 3) in the rear or backside 125of the body. The magnetic force must be strong enough to hold a fullyloaded magazine 126 held securely to the front of the body or to thefront surface 127 of a magnetic surface 128. Magnetic surface 128 isprovided to increase the surface area of the magnetic force provided bymagnet(s) 103. By increasing the available surface area of the magneticforce across the magnetic surface 128 allows the user to attach amagazine in the most desirable and efficient accessible positionrelative to the body 101. In other words, the magazine can be positionedat an angle less than 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis 150 ofthe system. The number or strength of the magnets should be sufficientto keep the magazine of a firearm in place even during aggressivemovements by the user, such, as running, jumping, crawling, andclimbing. In an embodiment of the system, the magnets may be neodymium,ceramic, ferrite, cobalt, alnico, or another type of magnet deemedappropriate by one skilled in the art.

In one possible embodiment of the inventive system, a magnetic surface128 is provided in front of the magnet. The magnetic surface 128 can beincorporated directly and integrally with the front 124 of the body orit can constitute a separate component as illustrated in the Drawings.In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic surface 128 is attached to thebody 101 via rivets 106. In another embodiment, the magnetic surface 128is attached to the body via screws, weld, or another means of fastening,as known in the art. When the magnetic surface is a separate component,as shown in FIGS. 1-2, it is preferable to position the magnetic surfaceoutwardly from the front 124 of the body by a distance D1 and to providea distance D2 between the bottom edge 128 a of magnetic surface 128,both D1 and D2 defining a recess 110. D1 provides a distance for thefloor plate 130 of the magazine 126. The recess 110 also provides spacefor the floor plate or base 130 of magazine 126. Furthermore, the recess110 allows the magazine to be rotated away from the body without pushingthe base of the magazine away and off the ledge 107 during the finalinsertion and locking of the magazine into the firearm. In anembodiment, ledge 107 protrudes from the bottom of the body 101. Theledge 107 is provided to provide a support for the magazine as it isinserted into the firearm and to provide a hard stop surface for thefloor plate or base 130 of magazine 126 so that magazine becomes fullyinserted into the firearm before the loaded firearm is removed from thesystem 100. Preferably, ledge 107 is co-molded with body 101.

In a preferred embodiment, a curved lip 109 is provided as part of body101. This curved lip curves inward towards the backside 125 of the body.The curved lip does not protrude or extend outward beyond a verticalplane define by the front surface 124 of the body 101. Curved lip 109helps to guide the receiving end of the firearm onto the magazine 126when retained on the body 101. The guide lip 109 will allow the user toload the provided magazine into the firearm quickly and without lookingaway from a target. Preferably, the curved lip is co-molded with body101. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, where a separate magneticsurface 128 is positioned on the front 124 of the body, it is preferablethat the magnetic surface 128 have an upper curved surface 135. Theupper curved surface 135 matches the direction and radius of curvatureof the curved lip 109 to provide a continuous, uninterrupted guidingsurface for the firearm during the initial insertion of the magazineinto the firearm. The upper curved surface does not protrude or extendbeyond a vertical plane defined by the front surface 127 of the magneticsurface 128.

In an embodiment, the body 101 and its components may be comprised ofmetal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by oneskilled in the art. The body 101 and provided belt loops 104 a/104 b areconfigured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carryingEquipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may beincorporated as part of military or other tactical equipment.

An important feature of the present invention is the incorporation intothe system of a canting surface. This canting surface is needed to causethe upper portion or top end of an attached magazine to cant outwardfrom the magnetic surface a distance D3 in a direction away from theuser. This distance is predetermined to provide a small space betweenthe upper portion of the magazine and the magnetic surface such that thethickness 502 (see FIG. 5), defined as the distance between the outersurface of a firearm 500 grip 503 and the inside surface 501 a of themagazine well 501. In other words, D3 is preferably equal to or greaterthan thickness 502. Providing D3 ensures that the firearm magazine wellwill slide down and over the attached magazine smoothly, without gettinghung-up or stopped by any surface of the system. As illustrated in FIGS.1 and 4 the canting surface 140 is a separate component affixed to theupper portion 128 b/228 b of the front face of the magnetic surface128/228. Preferably, the canting surface is composed of a material thatis magnetic, such that the magnets 103 will impart a magnetic force tothe canting surface. The canting surface 140 can be attached throughscrews, rivets (142), or any other known type of fastener. Cantingsurface 140 does not have to be a separate component, but instead couldbe incorporated directly into (integral to) magnetic surface 128/228 asa horizontal protrusion, bump, rib, ridge, or like structure. When thecanting surface is a separate component, it is also possible to attachthe canting surface to the system such that the angle of cant a and/orthe distance D3 is adjustable to accommodate different magazine and/orfirearm type and models. In an embodiment of the loading system, thecanting surface may include magazine orienting nibs 140 a/140 b. Theseorienting nibs are small projections facing outward away from cantingsurface and the user, however, the nibs do not act as a guide for thefirearm. Instead, the nibs provide spatial boundaries to ensure that amagazine is properly positioned on the loading system. The nibs can alsodeter or prevent excessive sideways movement of a positioned magazine,basically keep the magazine positioned relatively vertical.

In reference to FIGS. 4A & 4B, an embodiment of the present invention isshown, that is configured to hold one or more magazines 126 andcomprising a body 201 designed to be worn on the chest of a user orequipment worn on the chest of a user. Belt loops 204 are provided so abelt 205 may be passed through the body 201 and fix the body on to thechest of the user. In an embodiment, the top front edge 201 a does nothave a curved lip and the back side 201 b of the body 204 is providedwith a foam pad or cushion adhered to the back of the body. The cushionmay provide added comfort for the user and keep the body in place whenfastened to the user's chest. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, ahook and loop fastening system may be included on the back side 201 b.The cushion may be polyurethane, polyethylene, or another type of foamdeemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. As with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3, the body 201 is further provided with one or more magnets toapply a magnetic force, to keep the magazine of a firearm in place. Inthis embodiment of FIGS. 4A & 4B a separate magnetic surface 228 isprovided that is larger in size in order that more than one magazine canbe attached. Because the magnetic surface 228 is larger and occupiesmore of the surface area of the front of body 201, there is no need tohave a curved lip as part of body 201. The magnetic surface 228 doeshave a curved upper surface 235. A ledge 207 is provided to retain themagazine and provide a support for the magazine as it is inserted intothe firearm. In an embodiment, the body is further provided with arecess 210 located between the ledge and the lower edge of the magneticsurface 228. The recess 210 provides space for a floor plate 130 ofmagazine 126.

In an embodiment, the body 201 is adapted to fit a large magazine of anassault rifle. The body 201 and its components may be comprised ofmetal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by oneskilled in the art. The body 201 and provided belt loops 204 areconfigured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carryingEquipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may beincorporated as military equipment.

In another embodiment, the firearm magazine loading system may beconfigured to attach to the stomach, hip, arm, thigh, leg, or ankle of auser. In another embodiment, the present invention will be able toattach to the back of a user, in a manner such that a member of his teamcould use the body to reload their firearm.

A method of using the firearm magazine reloading system of the presentinvention will now be described. A first step involves fastening thebody of the firearm magazine reloading system onto a user's body, a wornaccessory or item of clothing, then placing a loaded magazine having abase onto magnetic surface affixed the body such that a canting surfaceis positioned between the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine andso that magnets within the body will attract and hold the loadedmagazine against the magnetic surface. Next, placing the magazinereceiving end (i.e., a magazine well) of a firearm onto the loadedmagazine being retained against the magnetic surface and pressing thebase of the loaded magazine against a ledge projecting outwardly frombody until the loaded magazine locks into the magazine well of thefirearm. Preferably, the magazine is positioned so that the cantingsurface cants the upper portion of the magazine out and away from thecanting surface by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness502. Most preferably, the magazine is positioned between two orientingnibs located on the canting surface. Once the magazine is positioned onthe system, a firearm receiving end (i.e., a magazine well) ispositioned over the top end of the loaded magazine and then slide downover the magazine to insert the magazine into the firearm. Then,rotating the firearm out and away from the magnetic surface into afiring position.

In a preferred embodiment, the magazine is received by the body, suchthat the floor plate 130 of the magazine contacts the ledge 107/207 andfits within the recess 110/210. In another embodiment, the magazine isreceived by the body 101/201, such that the floor plate 130 is suspendedabove the ledge 107/207 by one or more magnets (not shown) providedwithin the body 101/201. Preferably, method of using the firearmmagazine reloading system requires only the use of a single hand of theuser, with the possible exception of fastening the system to the user.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosedherein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with thefollowing claims.

1. A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having aback, a front, and sides; b) a fastening component provided on the body;c) a canting surface affixed to the front of the body; d) a magneticsurface; and e) one or more magnets affixed to the body.
 2. The firearmmagazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the fastening componentcomprises of one or more through holes provided on the sides of the bodyto engage with a secondary fastening component.
 3. The firearm magazinereloading system of claim 1, wherein one or more wings are provided onthe sides of the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.4. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 3, wherein thefastening component comprises of one or more through holes are providedon the wings.
 5. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1,wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion ofthe front of the body.
 6. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim1, wherein the body further comprises a curved lip.
 7. The firearmmagazine reloading system of claim 7, wherein the canting surface isadjustably affixed to the body such that the canting surface can bemoved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly fromthe front of the body
 8. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim1, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lowerportion of the body.
 9. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body. 10.A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having a back,a front, and sides; b) a fastening component provided on the body; c) amagnetic surface affixed to the front of the body; d) a canting surfacefixed to the magnetic surface; and e) one or more magnets affixed to thebody, wherein the magnetic surface comprises an upper curved surface.11. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 where the bodyfurther comprises a curved lip on an upper portion that curves in thesame direction as the upper curved surface.
 12. The firearm magazinereloading system of claim 11 where the curved lip and upper curvedsurface are adjacent and abutting each other.
 13. The firearm magazinereloading system of claim 10, wherein the fastening component comprisesof one or more through holes provided on the sides of the body to engagewith a secondary fastening component.
 14. The firearm magazine reloadingsystem of claim 10, wherein one or more wings are provided on the sidesof the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.
 15. Thefirearm magazine reloading system of claim 14, wherein the fasteningcomponent comprises of one or more through holes are provided on thewings.
 16. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, whereinthe canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the frontof the body.
 17. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10,wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion ofthe front of the body.
 18. The firearm magazine reloading system ofclaim 10, wherein the canting surface is adjustably affixed to themagnetic surface such that the canting surface can be moved toward oraway from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front ofthe magnetic surface
 19. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim10, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lowerportion of the body.
 20. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body. 21.The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 does not comprise amagazine spacer.
 22. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10does not comprise curved side ramps projecting outward relative to thefront of the body.
 23. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1further comprising at least two orienting nibs on the canting surface.24. A method using a firearm magazine reloading system to load amagazine into a firearm comprising: a) fastening the body of the firearmmagazine reloading system onto a user's body, a worn accessory or itemof clothing; b) placing a loaded magazine having a base onto magneticsurface affixed the body such that a canting surface is positionedbetween the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine and so that magnetswithin the body will attract and hold the loaded magazine against themagnetic surface; c) placing the magazine receiving end of the firearmonto the loaded magazine being retained against the magnetic surface; d)pressing the base of the loaded magazine against a ledge projectingoutwardly from body until the loaded magazine locks into the receivingend of the firearm; e) rotating the firearm out and away from themagnetic surface into a firing position.
 25. The method of claim 24further comprising that steps b) through e) are performed using only asingle hand of a user.